Anger as county roads go to pot

MOTORISTS face travel misery and hefty repair bills as potholes spring up on roads across the county.

The Derbyshire Times has been out to see the state of crumbling surfaces in Chesterfield - including on Beetwell Street, Hunloke Avenue and Holywell Street - as readers contact us with concerns over cracked roads following the big freeze.

Derbyshire County Council received 400 reports of potholes in the first five working days of this year - a fourfold rise compared to last year.

Paul White said: “My headlamp bulb went from going over a pothole. Try and avoid them.” Mel Bacon claimed that the roads were “disgusting” in Pilsley while Keith Johnson said: “I hit one in Hasland and I thought I ended up in Australia.”

The comments come after experts said drivers should brace themselves for the “worst ever pothole season”. Last year motorists paid out around £320m in repairs to everything from wheels and tyres to suspension failure, according to insurance provider Warranty Direct which runs potholes.co.uk

“That figure could pale into insignificance,” warned Duncan McClure Fisher, from Warranty Direct. “The roads are going to deteriorate over the coming months. Everything is pointing towards a miserable period for motorists,” he added.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has issued advice on ways to deal with crumbling roads, including checking the inner and outer tyre wall and the wheel alignment after hitting a pothole.

Neil Greig, IAM director of policy and research, said: “Anticipation, planning and forward vision will help spot lethal potholes and help avoid unwanted bills for new tyres and wheels.”

A Derbyshire County Council spokesman said: “Our inspectors are out and about looking at all the roads and looking at all the problems.” To report a pothole, contact Call Derbyshire on 08456 058 058.

Have you been affected by potholes? What’s your road like? Please send comments and pictures to comment@derbyshiretimes.co.uk